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Keep McIntosh Beautiful
"Working Together
for a Clean, Green and
Beautiful McIntosh County"
Newsletter March 2025
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You are receiving this newsletter as a KMB member, friend, volunteer or supporter to stay updated on KMB news, events, and volunteer opportunities. THANK YOU! | |
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WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE RIGHT HERE IN MCINTOSH?
VOLUNTEER!
Exciting opportunities are coming up in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and community. Volunteers are the heart and soul of community engagement, bringing energy, skills, and passion to causes that matter. Let’s come together and make a difference! A clean, thriving community needs its people to get involved. By actively volunteering, we can build a stronger community and keep making McIntosh County a place we can all be proud of.
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Are you ready for a weekend filled with fresh local seafood, live music, family fun, and the time-honored Blessing of the Fleet on April 11-13th 2025? The Chamber of Commerce has exciting things in store!
Live Music Lineup:
Friday | The Maple Street Band – 6:00 PM
Friday | Saltwater Gypsies – 8:00 PM
Saturday | Clockwork Band – 5:00 PM
Saturday | Lydia Simonds – 7:30 PM
Weekend Highlights:
5K Race – Saturday @ 7:30 AM
Pancake Breakfast – Saturday @ 8:00-10:00 AM
Classic Car Event – Saturday @ 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Worship Service – Sunday @ 10:30 AM
Boat Parade & Blessing – Sunday @ 1:00 PM
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Keep McIntosh Beautiful needs YOU for the Blessing of the Fleet weekend! This exciting event celebrates and honors the local shrimping and fishing industry, which is at the heart of our community’s history, economy, and culture. It's a time to come together—residents, local businesses, and over 10,000 visitors—to celebrate tradition, express gratitude, and foster a sense of pride in Darien.
And this is where Keep McIntosh Beautiful comes in! We want Darien to sparkle during this special weekend, and we need volunteers from all over our community to make that happen. Volunteers from KMB, local groups, churches, neighborhoods—everyone’s help is essential! All volunteers receive a free admittance wristbrand!
We’ll be on TRASH DUTY:
- Friday & Saturday nights at 10 PM: Help us keep the waterfront pristine for the next day's events.
- Sunday at 5 PM: Join us for a final litter pickup to leave our town looking beautiful.
Together, we can ensure the Blessing of the Fleet is a shining example of what it means to be a community united in pride, tradition, and care for our environment. Sign up to volunteer today and help make this event something truly special! CALL KMB TO SIGN UP 912.289.1083. Or email: director@keepmcintoshbeautiful.com
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The Coastal, Shop Local campaign has been launched to celebrate and support our amazing local businesses! From fresh seafood markets to charming boutiques, independent restaurants, and artisanal shops, our coastal community has so much to offer. By shopping local, you’re not only getting unique, high-quality products—you’re also helping to sustain our economy and preserve the rich heritage of McIntosh County.
Explore our local businesses at McIntoshchamber.com of DiscoverDarien.com.
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WOW, McIntosh—You Showed Up BIG! KMB's Feb. 8 Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ Friends & Funds Raiser | |
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WOW, McIntosh—You Showed Up BIG!
If you’re lucky enough to live in McIntosh, you’re already a winner, but this year’s Oyster Roast & BBQ Friends and Funds Raiser felt like we ALL hit the jackpot! A record number of happy, generous, and supportive attendees made this the best one yet—there was just something extra special in the air!
The fun started before guests even arrived, with a "Boogie Bus" rolling in from the north end, packed with smiling partygoers already in full celebration mode. And from there, the night just kept getting better!
Gratitude Overflowing!
This event wouldn’t happen without the dedication and hard work of so many amazing people. Our Incredible Board of Directors – You are the heart and soul of KMB!
PRESIDENT Selso Tello
VP Angie Groover
Secretary Julie Sowell
Treasurer Jameshia Wilson
Board Members: Mandy Harrison, George Bigham (sold 40 tickets!), Cheryl Shedd, TK King, Barbara Hawthorne, Lauryn Gilmer, Lisa Brewer, and Father Mike Gumulauskas.
Our Partners – We believe in the power of collaboration, and our partners prove that time and time again! Special thanks to Alan Shedd of Integrated Energy Systems, who not only supports KMB but spent the entire weekend volunteering!
Our Amazing Volunteers – We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you! Rick & Kelly Brewer, Margo French, Stacy New, LeighAnn Adams, Leslie, Gavin & Gage Groover, Candace Rogers, Sarah Hawthorne, Dee Bigham (the one rocking the banana costume!) And a huge shoutout to George’s “Oyster Boys” who worked tirelessly all night to make sure everyone had their fill of clams and oysters!
Sustainability & Recycling Efforts – Because keeping McIntosh beautiful means more than just picking up litter! A huge thank you to Cheryl and Alan for leading the recycling efforts during the event! Thanks to their dedication:
600+ cans & plastic bottles were recovered.
69 lbs of glass bottles were saved from the trash.
Total weight of materials captured for recycling: 116.6 lbs!
Special Thanks To: Hudson Creek Lodge, Bob Claxton, Waterfront Wine & Gourmet, Shell Creek Seafood, Sapelo Sea Farms & Darien-McIntosh Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Al & Rose Ferguson – You got a well-earned break this year after volunteering every year since 2010!
Music That Kept Us Moving! Josh & Jay of DEFUNK grooved us into the evening, and Michael Hulett had us dancing into the night!
Raffles, Auctions & Fun, Oh My!
Shrimp Raffle: Winners were all there to claim their 25 lbs of Wild GA Shrimp—and they were thrilled!
Silent Auction: Highest sales to date—you were so generous!
Wine & Whiskey Ring Toss: Saw a huge jump in profits this year!
Flamingals of Ashantilly Cottages: Created whimsical table art, and guests got to take it home by simply picking it up and paying what they wanted!
Captured in Style!
Photographer Leigh Lofgren joined us for a story in Lake Life Magazine, fresh off winning the Georgia Press Association’s Best Magazine 2024 award! She’s also produced for Good Morning Britain and Food Network, so we can’t wait to see what she creates!
Delicious as Always!
Rick Caldwell’s BBQ and sides—need we say more? Every year, he delivers perfection!
A Night of Funds & Friendship
At the end of the night, KMB raised much-needed funds to continue our mission for a clean, green, and beautiful McIntosh County. But even more than that—it was a "friendsraiser"! We made new connections, formed a new partnership, and welcomed so many new people who want to be part of our mission.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. This community is something special, and I’m beyond proud to serve as Executive Director of Keep McIntosh Beautiful.
— Tracy Sanford
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Notice litter in your neighborhood on recycling day? Small items like batteries can fall out of the bin or cart when emptied into the recycling truck. Improperly disposing of batteries can also lead to fires. Prevent litter and reduce risks to workers by recycling right.
Learn more about how to manage batteries and where to take your batteries at call2recycle.org
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What a fantastic Georgia Arbor Day celebration!
Our "It's All About the Trees" event at Eulonia Park was a huge succes! People that reserved a tree showed up and enjoyed picking it out, and got involved in all the fun activities we had to offer. The weather was perfect, the energy was high, and our community came together to celebrate the importance of trees.
A huge shoutout to the McIntosh 4-H youth volunteers - they were incredible role models and brought so much enthusiasm to the event. Kids had a blast making bird feeders and owl masks, playing Giant Jenga, Corn Hole and enjoying the Trail Mix Buffet.
Plus, the Georgia Forestry Commission's interactive wildfire prevention trailer was a big hit with kids and adults alike. Thanks Jeffery & Jack! They also brought some really cool swag to give away!
BIG shoutout to Florabundance Gardens Native Nursery for the 30 native oaks! https://florabundancegardens.com
Executive Director Tracy and KMB Board members Selso, George, Lauryn, Julie, Barbara, and Lisa loved connecting with the community and sharing in the joy of planting trees. And THANK YOU to our PARTNERS who support us all year long! Their names and logos are proudly displayed at every event. And events like this remind us how strong and engaged our community is!
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate, learn, and grow with us!
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LITTER LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKSHOP
This workshop is hosted by Keep Liberty Beautiful, in coordination with Keep Savannah Beautiful, Keep McIntosh Beautiful, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, City of Tybee Island, Keep Pembroke Beautiful, and Keep Camden Beautiful/Visit Kingsland, and is made possible by a Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation mini-grant.
Attendees will learn how litter enforcement has been used to deter additional crimes and how to work with the court system and others to prevent littering and illegal dumping successfully. Open to all Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, County Commissioners, Mayors, Judges, Code Enforcement Officials, and others charged with enforcing and supporting the law, this workshop will connect officials with resources and information to help them reduce litter and make communities safer.
Scott Carroll will conduct the Litter Law Enforcement Training with 423 Law Enforcement and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. All who attended will receive three hours of POST credit for certified law enforcement officers.
A light breakfast and afternoon lunch will be served. Upon the workshop's completion, a raffle drawing will be conducted for all attendees who registered and attended.
RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or contact Keep Liberty Beautiful.
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February 14 Pop-Up Pick-Up Success!
A huge THANK YOU to KMB Board Member Barbara Hawthorne for leading the Love Your Community cleanup—and to Mary & Mark Hansen for showing up and making a difference!
It was a beautiful morning at the Waterfront Park, and while we only collected three half-bags of trash, that’s a sign our community cares! Every little effort counts, and today’s cleanup proves that keeping McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful is a shared commitment.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay tuned for the next Pop-Up Pick-Up and keep showing love to our hometown.
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Do YOU like playing in the dirt and chatting with kiddos about bees and butterflies and bats? VOLUNTEER THIS EARTH DAY! | |
Making plans for EARTH DAY April 22,2025! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We'll be creating POLLINATOR GARDENS at the Todd Grant Elementary School with Dr. Smith's 3rd grade class, and another at the McIntosh Middle School Boys & Girls Club. | |
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Our Power, Our Planet: How Pollinators Help Sustain Our Future
Earth Day 2025 is a time to reflect on how we harness energy—both from technology and nature—to create a healthier planet. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, reminds us that renewable energy sources like solar and wind can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. But energy isn’t just what powers our homes and cars—it’s also what fuels our environment, and in McIntosh County, we’re tapping into one of nature’s most powerful forces: pollinators.
At Keep McIntosh Beautiful, we believe that sustainability starts at the local level. That’s why we’re working with students at McIntosh County’s elementary school and the Boys & Girls Club to build pollinator gardens. These gardens provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators, whose work ensures the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In many ways, these tiny creatures are nature’s renewable energy source—powering ecosystems and sustaining our food supply without depleting resources.
Just as we look to clean energy to protect our future, we must also invest in natural solutions that keep our environment thriving. Pollinators play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, and even helping to combat climate change by fostering healthy plant life that absorbs carbon dioxide. By educating our children and engaging our community in projects like these gardens, we are not only preserving the beauty of McIntosh County but also empowering future generations to be stewards of the environment.
This Earth Day, let’s think beyond traditional energy and recognize the many ways we can harness nature’s power for good. Whether by supporting pollinators, reducing waste, or advocating for clean energy, we each have a role to play in sustaining Our Power, Our Planet.
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MARCH
*Greatest American CleanUp Community Events. Follow social media for our (1) Clean, (2) Green and (3) Beautiful activities!
*Tree Planting at the Darien McIntosh Chamber & Visitors Center. Date & time TBD. Follow social media for updates.
APRIL 11, 12 & 13
Opportunities to Volunteer with KMB at the Blessing of the Fleet! Call KMB 912.289.1083.
APRIL 22
We'll be celebrating Earth Day 2025 by planting Pollinator Gardens! Partnering with UGA Extension/4H. Time/Location TBD.
MAY 17
Spring Recycle Event at the McIntosh Middle School. Details coming soon.
JUNE TBD
KickOff Summer Reading Program at the Ida Hilton Library!
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We are happy to announce that KMB will be planting two beautiful trees at the Darien McIntosh Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center! These trees are a symbol of our community’s commitment to sustainability, growth, and the environment.
Date and time are TBD—stay tuned for updates on our social media!
Trees are vital to the health of our community and environment, and we want visitors to our area to know just how much we care about preserving and enhancing the beauty of McIntosh County.
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Huge Congratulations to the MCA SkillsUSA Team!
A big shoutout to Madison, Steven, and Zoey from McIntosh County Academy - MCA for their incredible Tombstone Touch-Ups community service project! Keep McIntosh Beautiful was honored to collaborate with these three bright and dedicated students, who worked tirelessly to restore and preserve local history.
KMB absolutely loved working with them! They kept us updated every step of the way, showing professionalism, dedication, and a true passion for their project. They looked sharp, represented MCA with pride, and their hard work paid off - they placed 3rd in STATE!
Way to go! Your commitment to service and excellence is inspiring. We are SO proud of you!
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SAVE THE DATE! MAY 17
McIntosh Community Spring Recycle Event
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A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ADOPT-A HIGHWAY, PARK OR SPOT VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT MCINTOSH COUNTY! Please send me pictures of your pickups. You'll inspire others! There are still plenty of miles and places needing some TLC. Please consider making this a way you help keep our community clean, green and beautiful!
INFO AND APPLICATIONS ONLINE!
OR CALL TRACY 912-289-1083
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ABANDONED BUILDING PROGRAM
Looking for a way to remove an abandoned building or mobile home from your property? Keep McIntosh Beautiful may be able to help.
*Activities should resume as usual. A demo-dispose contractor has been found and we're in the process of vetting. Thank you for your patience!
Dilapidated and abandoned buildings are eyesores that detract from our community’s appearance and reduce the value of the property where they are located. They can also be unsafe and unhealthy nuisances that are locations for criminal activity.
To address the problem in McIntosh County, KMB offers financial assistance to OWNERS for the demolition and removal of abandoned buildings from THEIR property. We salvage and recycle what can safely be removed.
STRUCTURES MUST BE LOCATED IN MCINTOSH COUNTY, UNOCCUPIED, AND BEYOND REPAIR TO QUALIFY.
Thank you to the many dedicated partners that help with this program. You are appreciated!
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INSTAGRAM for Event Updates!
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